Previously, menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said it would limit alcohol sales at “low demand” areas while Langkawi would be made an exception.

At today’s state assembly, local government committee chairman Mohd Hayati Othman (PAS-Tokai) said local councils would impose alcohol sale restrictions in districts with a high Malay population.

“In these districts, only a limited number of outlets will be allowed to sell alcohol. Any other outlet found selling alcohol will have their business licence revoked,” he said.

Hayati added the state had also announced that local councils will no longer renew business licences for 4D outlets. However, he did not state when this new policy would come into effect.

He was replying to a written question by Asmirul Anuar Aris (PH-Kubang Rotan), who had asked when the state was going to ban gaming shops and alcohol sales.

In a supplementary question, Asmirul asked what measures are being taken to handle online gambling, saying that some of the “kampung folk” in his constituency spend RM1,200 a month punting.

He said these punters also act in impunity and can afford to bail themselves out after being charged in court.

Simon Ooi (PH-Bakar Arang) then asked about the fate of clubhouses, such as the Kedah Royal Club, which had gaming machines but did not need a local council licence to operate.

Hayati evaded the second question but responded to Asmirul’s query saying that the state trusts the police in its fight against the online gambling menace.